Mid-Atlantic Fishing

How to Catch Quahog Clams

Clamming is a simple way to spend time relaxing with the
family. Quahog clams are fairly easy to find, simple to cook and wont
spoil as quick as some seafood. Recreational clammers
catch quahogs by raking, wading, signing, or other techniques.

Many areas are accessible by foot, while boaters can
explore even more possibilities. In some areas, local guides are
available to assist visitors on a successful clamming trip.

Raking Clams

Raking is a simple way to catch clams, although the
technique can be strenuous. Clam raking is usually done
during
warm weather since the clammer will be in knee to
waist deep water. Special rakes which have a basket attached
are used to dig clams from the bottom. Most clammers
prefer specific areas or types of bottom for raking.

Wading for Clams

This is the most fun and the least work of all types of
clamming. Enthusiasts wade along, sometimes leaning against a
boat or tire inner tube with a basket inside it. While walking
along the soft bottom, one can feel the clam underfoot. When
one is located, the clammer will reach down and pick it up.
The most hardcore of waders will go barefoot and extract the
doomed clam with their toes. This is not usually recommended
as sharp shells can give a nasty cut.

Signing Clams

This is a more difficult method to learn. Clammers walk
along the shore or mud flats, looking for a distinctive,
"keyhole" shaped air hole in the mud. A little hand rake is
used to dig out the clam which will lie just under the
surface. This method often yields small delicious quahog clams
called "littlenecks", "topnecks", or "cherrystones".